Vinyl pressings
by Ryuichi Sakamoto & David Sylvian · 1982
Bamboo Houses ∙ Bamboo Music was first pressed on vinyl in 1982. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
11 pressings came out in 1982, the album's first year, in 6 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
A ƱTOPIA VS-510-A1Side A, runout, hand etched, variant 1
B ƱTOPIA VS-510-AA1Side AA, runout, hand etched, variant 1
A ƱTOPIA VS-510-A2Side A, runout, hand etched, variant 2
B ƱTOPIA VS-510-AA1Side AA, runout, hand etched, variant 2
VS 510 - 12 A1Side A runout, etched, Variation 1
VS 510 - 12 AASide AA runout, etched, Variation 1
VS 510 - 12 A1 Ʊ ⋀Side A runout, etched, Variation 2
VS 510 - 12 AA1 ƱTOPIA ⋀Side AA runout, etched, Variation 2
VS 51012 A-2U-1-1-7 A PORKY PRIME CUTSide A runout, Variation 1
VS 51012 B-2U-1-Side AA runout, Variation 1
VS 51012 A-2U-1-1-2U* A PORKY PRIME CUT (*the 'U' could be an 'O' or a 'J', not clearly engraved)Side A runout, Variation 2
VS 51012 B - 2U - 1 - 2 - * 11 (the * stands for an extra character which cannot be identified)Side AA runout, Variation 2
VS ∙ 510 - A1 ⋀ ΨtopiaSide A runout
VS ∙ 510 - AA1 B ΨtopiaSide AA runout
VS510ASide A label
VS510AASide AA label
A ƱTOPIA VS-510-A1Side A runout
A ƱTOPIA VS-510-AA1Side AA runout
VS 51012 ASide A
VS 51012 BSide B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Ireland | Virgin VS 510First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS510First year7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label | 7", 45 RPM, Single, White Label |
| 1982 | Japan | Virgin VIPX-1660First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Virgin VS 510-12 / RTC VS 510-12First year12", Single, 45 RPM | 12", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1982 | Spain | Virgin B-104.681 / Virgin B-104681First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS510 / Virgin VS 510First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS 510-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS 510-12First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | Italy | Virgin VIN 45055First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1982 | UK | Virgin VS510 / Virgin VS 510First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1982 | Japan | Virgin VIPX-1660First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1983 | France | Virgin 60105712", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Europe | Virgin EMI Records 470 901-87", 45 RPM, Record Store Day, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited | 7", 45 RPM, Record Store Day, Single, Limited Edition, Reissue · Limited |
13 vinyl pressings of Bamboo Houses ∙ Bamboo Music are listed here, from 8 countries, released between 1982 and 2015.
The earliest pressings are from 1982, in UK, New Zealand, Spain, Italy and more. One of them is Virgin VS510, released July 1982.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use VS510, VS 510-12, B-104.681, VIN 45055) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A ƱTOPIA VS-510-A1 and B ƱTOPIA VS-510-AA1. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
